Edinburgh Turnhouse Airport (EDI) Flights & Information

Over the years, the number of passengers at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) has increased significantly, with an annual passenger count now exceeding 15 million. With the city’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination, the airport infrastructure is facing challenges in keeping up with the growing demand. Personally, I have fond memories of traveling through the airport as a child and have witnessed its steady growth over the years. Here’s what to expect.

Arrival advice

Despite the abundance of immigration kiosks in the immigration hall, it’s rare to find all of them staffed, as most incoming passengers tend to use the automated passport gates instead. For individuals who are unable to use them, the wait times to see a UK Border Force agent can vary, but typically they are never more than a few minutes.

Due to its compact layout, getting from the gate to the domestic arrivals area can be difficult when the terminal is busy. The absence of well-defined routes from some gates to the arrivals hall frequently adds to the problem. If there are no obvious signs directing you to the UK arrivals area, I recommend moving towards Gates 13 and 14. The exit for domestic arrivals area is opposite these gates.

The domestic and international baggage claim areas conveniently have their exits next to each other. Arriving passengers looking for public transport can easily locate it by turning left after leaving the security-controlled area. The outdoor exit is conveniently located just a few steps away.

Public transportation options

The bus and tram networks provide direct connections between the airport and Edinburgh’s main rail station, Waverley Station. The airport also hosts convenient direct bus connections that operate 24 hours to nearby cities such as Glasgow and Dundee. However, service to some other cities in Scotland is less frequent.

Travel times for both methods of transportation typically range from 30 to 40 minutes. I recommend considering the tram if you have large pieces of luggage, but the bus might be more convenient if you’re heading to a hotel in the western suburbs, as the bus takes a more direct route through this area.

By the way, if you have some free time on a layover in between flights, taking public transportation and getting off at any stop on Princess Street will lead you right into the city center. You’ll find the city’s main attractions within easy walking distance.

The tram line from EDI

EDI offers excellent public transport links. The city is proud to have a popular tram line that stretches from east to west across the city, with the airport serving as the final stop on the western end. Fortunately, the airport tram station is conveniently located right next to the terminal building.

Every tram station is equipped with ticket terminals, and although ticket inspections usually occur onboard the tram, there have been instances where checks have been conducted upon disembarking at the airport as well. I recommend holding onto your ticket until you’ve left the tram, just in case there is a second ticket inspection.

Bus service

Bus services offer a convenient and efficient way to reach the center of Edinburgh, with a wide range of services available for a speedy connection to the city. The Airlink 100 service operates around the clock, providing a convenient option for travelers arriving or departing at unsociable times. Using contactless payment when boarding the bus eliminates the hassle of finding the exact fare, as change may not always be available from the driver.

Getting to EDI by car

Traveling by car is another option, but some drivers may be discouraged by the need to pay a small fee to drop off passengers near the terminal. There is a free drop off area available in the long-stay car park, although it may not be ideal during rainy weather, and this is Scotland, after all.

Car rental

When it comes to renting a car, the airport Car Rental Center is conveniently located just a short walk away from the terminal, making it quick to access a wide range of rental companies. On the other hand, there are alternative providers that may offer more affordable options. However, it’s important to note that these providers are usually located off-airport, so a shuttle bus will be necessary to reach their rental office.

If you’re looking to return your rental car and find that all-important gas station, there’s a convenient 24-hour facility located close to the airport on the westbound side of the A8 road. You can easily locate it using your GPS with the postal code EH28 8NA, and this is the one I use to avoid refilling fees.

Terminal tips

When the check-in hall is busy, it may be hard to locate the desk you need to go to. There are two smaller annex-style check-in areas positioned on either side of the main check-in area. If you’re having trouble finding your airline’s check-in area, remember that some budget carriers frequently use these adjacent zones.

Security checkpoint

You will find the security checkpoint located one floor above the check-in area. During busy times of the day, it is not unusual to experience a wait of at least 15 minutes at the security checkpoint. Passengers without frequent flyer status or a ticket in a premium cabin have the option of paying for access to priority security screening but need to reserve this in advance.

The variation in line size becomes prominent during peak times, which could be a consideration for families with young children or more elderly travelers. Interestingly, a skywalk connecting to the second floor of the multi-story car park provides direct access to the priority lane at security, providing a pathway for passengers without checked luggage to bypass the main check-in area.

Once you’ve cleared security and taken the mandatory stroll through the duty-free area, you’ll find yourself in the departure gate area. This can be a congestion pinch point, and I recommend seeking a quieter part of the terminal to wait in.

Unfortunately, the amount of seating available in the terminal is insufficient to accommodate demand. However, you can sometimes find a much quieter area by walking along the pathway leading to gates 17 – 29. When these gate areas are not in use, there are often empty seats available.

Eating at the airport

Although there are various food and beverage options available to cater to different tastes, the eateries and cafes in the terminal tend to get crowded. For travelers who prefer to get to the airport early and might be looking for a coffee or a snack, it could be worth stopping at one of the pre-security locations, provided there is seating available.

While it may seem counterproductive to delay going through security, I find it makes a big difference in finding a seat while enjoying my pre-flight caffeine fix.

Lounges and Wi-Fi

If you’re looking to avoid those busy crowds and find a lounge, you might want to think about pre-paying for lounge access, even if you’re already a member of a lounge access group.

Although it may seem odd to pay for access when you’re already a member of a paid lounge access program, the lounges in EDI can get very congested. In such cases, it is not uncommon for members of lounge access plans to be unable to enter, although prepaid reservations will still be honored.

You can pay to access three lounges at the airport. There are two Aspire lounges – one is located next to Gate 4 and a newer one can be found next to Gate 16. In addition, there is a Plaza Premium lounge, which is located near Gate 13. I find that the Plaza Premium Lounge has a slightly more comprehensive food and beverage selection.

You can use the free Wi-Fi at the airport, and if you prefer mobile connectivity, you can get a strong phone signal throughout the terminal building.

Airport alternatives

Although Edinburgh only has one airport, Glasgow is conveniently located about an hour from EDI and is home to an international airport (GLA). If you’re heading to locations nearer Glasgow than Edinburgh, I suggest considering flights into GLA. The airport tends to be less crowded than EDI, making it a more attractive option.